Happy Birthday JHM!

This past Sunday, the 9th, John Henry Martin was
honored for his upcoming 75th birthday. It was a surprise event that has been in the
making since last spring. John’s wife of
43 years later told us it was a complete surprise for John and Nita Martin was
in the thick of the conspiracy of those planning the tribute. It took place at the Central United Methodist
Church here in Wellsville.

Although John Henry graduated from Wellsivlle High School
with our sister we never knew him when we were younger. When we were in high school we knew there was
a guy from the ‘ville playing semi-pro for the Wheeling Ironmen but we still
didn’t know him.

Actually we didn’t get acquainted until the oldest child of
John Henry & Nita started school. He
was just a year ahead of our oldest and the two of them got to be good
buddies. If our kid wasn’t at the Martin
house down the street their son Shaun was at ours.

Once we got acquainted it was difficult to believe he was
the kind of guy that would run right through you if you were face to face with
him on the gridiron. He’s not a big guy
but he is a giant of a man in spirit and heart. He has always been faithful to his God, his family,
his home and his song. John Henry is one
of the kindest, friendliest men you could know.
Whenever you run into him he always has a million dollar smile and a warm
hello for you. He’s one of those folks that leave you with a “glad
you ran into him” feeling when you move on.

John Henry was born September 13, 1937. We’re betting it was already with a song in
his heart. In case you didn’t know he
loves to sing! And he is quite good at
it.

If you see John Henry tomorrow say Happy Birthday. You’ll get one of those million dollar smiles…